WASHINGTON (Web Desk) – The Middle East witnessed its most serious military escalation since the April ceasefire between the United States and Iran, with both sides launching fresh attacks that have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict and disruption to global energy supplies.
The latest exchange of strikes centred on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil exports. The renewed hostilities have raised concerns over international trade, energy markets and regional security.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces carried out precision strikes against multiple Iranian military targets, stating that the operation aimed to reduce Iran’s capability to threaten international shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media reported that the strikes hit several locations in southern and western Iran, including areas near Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island and Khuzestan province. Officials said at least two people were killed and several others were injured in separate incidents.
Meanwhile, Tehran warned it could suspend its commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the agreement reached in June to halt hostilities, accusing Washington of failing to fulfil its obligations.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the agreement was facing a serious crisis but confirmed that diplomatic contacts with mediators from Pakistan, Qatar and Oman were continuing in an effort to prevent further escalation.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting military facilities in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait that host US forces. Iranian media said the attacks were part of Tehran’s response to the latest American strikes.
Authorities in Bahrain activated air raid alerts, while Jordan’s military reported intercepting several Iranian missiles. Kuwait also announced that its air defence systems had engaged hostile aerial targets. There was no immediate confirmation from US officials regarding the extent of the reported attacks.
Iran also reiterated that continued American military operations in the Strait of Hormuz would further destabilise the region. However, the United States maintained that the waterway remains open for lawful international navigation.
The renewed conflict has already affected global energy markets. Oil prices rose sharply amid fears that any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could reduce global crude supplies. Shipping analysts also reported a decline in tanker traffic through the waterway, with some vessels limiting public tracking signals due to security concerns.
Commercial shipping organisations said operators were exercising increased caution, while satellite data indicated more ship-to-ship oil transfers outside the Strait to minimise risks.
Pakistan, which has played a diplomatic role in recent mediation efforts, expressed deep concern over the renewed violence. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for restraint during a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, stressing the need for de-escalation and dialogue.
Analysts believe that although both Washington and Tehran continue to exchange military strikes, diplomatic negotiations remain the only realistic path towards a lasting settlement.
The latest escalation has renewed international concerns that prolonged instability around the Strait of Hormuz could significantly impact global energy markets, commercial shipping and regional security if diplomatic efforts fail.
